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The Lonely Mountain (1984) Board Game

“The Lonely Mountain” board game was released in 1984 and is a fantasy wargame designed by Terry Amthor, Gail McIntosh, and Charles Peale. The game is set in a mythical world where players take on the roles of different factions vying for control of the titular mountain.

Game Components of The Lonely Mountain

  • Hexagon grid board
  • Dice
  • Various player tokens representing different factions
  • Rulebook
  • How To Setup The Lonely Mountain

  • Place the hexagon grid board on a flat surface.
  • Each player chooses a faction and takes the corresponding tokens.
  • Place the tokens on designated starting locations on the board.
  • Roll dice to determine the starting player.
  • Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

    Players take turns moving their tokens across the board, battling opponents, and strategically positioning themselves to control key points on the map. The objective is to be the last faction standing and control the Lonely Mountain.

    Player Experience

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    Pros:

  • Engaging fantasy theme
  • Strategic gameplay with role-playing elements
  • Hexagon grid adds depth to movement and combat
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    Cons:

  • Long runtime of 90 minutes may be a turn-off for some players
  • Limited player interaction opportunities
  • Complex rules may be daunting for newcomers
  • Personal Thoughts on The Lonely Mountain

    Overall, “The Lonely Mountain” board game offers a unique blend of fantasy and wargaming elements that will appeal to fans of the genre. The game’s components are well-designed, and the hexagon grid adds an interesting twist to movement and combat. However, the lengthy runtime and complex rules may be barriers for some players.

    In terms of pricing and availability, “The Lonely Mountain” may be harder to find as it was released in in 1984. However, for collectors and enthusiasts of fantasy wargames, it may be worth seeking out. Alternatives such as “War of the Ring” or “A Game of Thrones: The Board Game” offer similar gameplay experiences, but “The Lonely Mountain” stands out for its unique setting and mechanics. Overall, if you enjoy strategic, fantasy-themed board games and have the time to invest in a longer gaming session, “The Lonely Mountain” is worth considering.

    Game Components of The Lonely Mountain

  • Game board featuring the catacombs under the Lonely Mountain
  • Character cards for dwarves, elves, men, orcs, and freebooters
  • Treasure cards representing Smaug’s hoard
  • Rulebook
  • Player tokens and markers

    How To Setup The Lonely Mountain

    To set up the game, players first place the game board in the middle of the playing area. Each player selects a group of characters (dwarves, elves, men, orcs, or freebooters) and places their respective tokens on the starting positions on the board. The treasure cards are shuffled and placed face down on designated spaces on the board. Players then receive their character cards and any additional materials needed for gameplay.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Number of Players: 1 to 6
  • Game Category: Fantasy/Adventure, Dungeon Crawler
  • Objective: Each player aims to steal as much of Smaug’s treasure as possible from the catacombs under the Lonely Mountain before time runs out.
  • Mechanics: Combination of racing against time and wargaming elements
  • Components: Character cards, treasure cards, game board, tokens, and markers

    Player Experience

    Players experience a mix of strategy and urgency as they navigate the dangers of the Lonely Mountain’s catacombs. The game combines elements of racing against time with the tactical aspects of a wargame, making it engaging and challenging. Players must manage their characters’ abilities and movements carefully to maximize their treasure haul.

    Pros

  • Award-Winning: Received the Charles S. Roberts Award for “Best Fantasy Boardgame of 1984”
  • Unique Blend of Mechanics: Combines racing against time with wargaming elements
  • Immersive Theme: Based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s _The Hobbit_, offering a rich fantasy setting

    Cons

  • Criticism on Depth: Some reviewers felt it lacked sufficient depth and a strong connection to Tolkien’s work
  • Cost: Criticized for being expensive at the time of its release

    Personal Thoughts on The Lonely Mountain

    The Lonely Mountain is ideal for fans of fantasy and adventure games, particularly those who enjoy the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. While it may not offer the deepest gameplay or strongest thematic integration, it provides a unique and challenging experience that combines strategy and time management. It is a great addition to any collection of vintage board games, especially for those who appreciate the nostalgia and historical significance of early fantasy board games. However, new players might find some aspects outdated compared to modern board games.

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